The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (The Centre), in collaboration with Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG), has officially launched the ‘Batik Explosion’ initiative, a vibrant series of events and activities celebrating Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage while contributing to charitable causes.
The unveiling ceremony, graced by YB Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Chairman of MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd, marked the beginning of a festival that will run from November 23, 2023, to January 13, 2024, coinciding with Malaysia’s National Batik Day on December 3, 2023.
Spreading cheer to diverse backgrounds
The ‘Batik Explosion’ initiative encompasses a variety of engaging activities, including the ‘Tree of Joy’ Gift Drop, where the public is encouraged to place gifts around a batik-themed tree within The Centre. These gifts will be distributed to children from diverse backgrounds, selected by Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM).
On December 5, the Centre will host a National Batik Day Celebration, offering participants the chance to try their hand at batik painting under the guidance of renowned batik designers and members of the Piala Seri Endon alumni. Piala Seri Endon, an annual batik design competition, aims to discover and support Malaysia’s batik-making talents.
An ongoing Batik Art Exhibition, titled “Explorations Through Batik,” will showcase works by up-and-coming batik artists until December 20, 2023.
In January, the Centre will organize a special day of joy for around 135 children from charitable institutions selected by JKM, where gifts collected at the ‘Tree of Joy’ will be distributed.
Preserving heritage and charity
The ‘Batik Explosion’ initiative reflects The Centre’s commitment to integrating heritage and charity, fostering unity among Malaysians of all races and communities. The choice of PENYAYANG, an NGO dedicated to charitable purposes for all Malaysians, underscores The Centre’s dedication to community engagement, with a strong relationship maintained for over 15 years.
Partners supporting the initiative include PENYAYANG, JKM, Chester London (provider of the batik tree), and DSX Technology, generously donating fabric for the batik painting.
Mr. John Burke, General Manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, expressed delight in collaborating with PENYAYANG and partners, emphasizing the event’s significance in preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage, supporting charitable causes, and uniting diverse communities.
Pn. Nori Abdullah, Chairman of PENYAYANG, expressed excitement about the ‘Batik Explosion’ initiative, highlighting its role in building awareness and appreciation for Malaysia’s batik heritage. Emphasizing batik as a national craft representing identity, she encouraged Malaysians to wear Malaysian batik for the sustainability of the local industry.
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